This is the second year Henderson has opened a bargain basement, in which the store's downstairs area is turned into a holiday mart. Women's scarves, dresses, gift items and more are expected to be marked down 30 percent to 70 percent. As extra incentive, for every $50 spent, shoppers get a free $10 Poppy gift card.

Henderson says the event is a way to get a head start and compete with big retailers by offering some of the biggest discounts of the year.